WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1514/97 by Christoph KONRAD to the Commission. Classification of fibreglass as a 'dangerous' substance in the European Union
Date: 1997-05-05
Institutions: European Parliament, KONRAD
Subjects: Germany, carcinogenic substance, chemical product, dangerous substance, drafting of EU law, glass fibre, health risk, insulator, product designation, scientific research













EUR-Lex - 91997E1514 - EN






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91997E1514

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1514/97 by Christoph KONRAD to the Commission. Classification of fibreglass as a 'dangerous' substance in the European Union  


Official Journal C 045 , 10/02/1998 P. 0045 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-1514/97 by Christoph Konrad (PPE) to the Commission (5 May 1997)Subject: Classification of fibreglass as a 'dangerous' substance in the European Union1. Why has the Commission been having discussions with experts for several years on the question of the test procedure to be used to enable fibrous materials, especially fibreglass, to be classified in various danger classes?2. When is the Commission likely to complete its deliberations, and when will it submit a final arrangement (proposal)?3. Will the Commission bear in mind in this context that innovation has already resulted in the manufacture in the Federal Republic of Germany of high-quality fibres which ensure that there is absolutely no risk to the health either of workers during the manufacturing process or of consumers?4. How does the Commission intend to ensure that under any such arrangement these high-quality products are promoted in the markets of the European Union?The differences in classification or quality are already causing distortions of competition.Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (1 July 1997)1. For several years the Commission has been contemplating the formal classification of man-made mineral fibres by introducing these into Annex I to Directive 67/548/EEC ((OJ 196, 16.8.1967. )) on the classification and labelling of dangerous chemical substances.The term 'man-made mineral fibres' covers a complete family of fibres, including glass fibres and rockwool.The scientific difficulties linked with assessing the carcinogenic properties of these fibres have slowed down the preparation of a draft directive. In particular the drafting of adequate test methods and the establishment of a reliable correlation between the results have been essential.2. The progress made in familiarity with the biosolubility of fibres and in correlating with any carcinogenic properties that these might have should enable the Commission to put forward a draft directive in the months ahead.3. The draft directive will enable account to be taken of the progress made by the producers, more particularly on the German market. Indeed, the 'new' insulating fibres produced and marketed from 1995 onwards do not seem to display any cancer hazards.4. The provisions of the directives on chemical products (substances and preparations) will enable the regulatory provisions to be harmonised throughout the Community. Thus any classifications (and departures from these) introduced via the intended draft directive shall apply throughout the European market.However, these legal instruments do not include provision for any particular promotional activities.